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Comedy and tragedy of Robin Williams

Robin Williams' death shocked and saddened anyone who had ever experienced his comedic and acting genius on stage, screen or TV.

And that includes millions around the world.

So when we learned on Monday that he had taken all that away from us, we mourned for the man and the incredible talent he had become over his 63 years.

Whether it was Mork, Mrs. Doubtfire, or Sean Maguire, a psychiatrist who helps Matt Damon's brilliant but troubled character find his way in Williams' Oscar-winning role in Good Will Hunting -- or scores of other roles -- he displayed a range of ability rarely seen.

His bouts with addictive drugs and depression were well publicized. It's ironic that he won an Oscar playing a psychiatrist, since none of them could ultimately save him from himself.

By all accounts, despite his fame, he was anything but a diva. On the contrary, he was the consummate professional, always punctual and prepared.

He seemed to feel more in control of his life when living vicariously through the characters or roles he created.

It's said there's a fine line between genius and madness.

Robin Williams obviously walked that line as long as he could.

Substance-abuse prescription

This state has taken a great stride in treating substance abuse as the public-health problem it is. A bill recently signed into law by Gov. Deval Patrick puts Massachusetts at the forefront of drug-addiction care.

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It requires insurers to reimburse patients who receive addiction treatment from licensed counselors, removes prior-authorization requirements for outpatient treatment, and guarantees coverage for up to 14 days for inpatient care. It also requires improved reporting by the chief medical examiner on opioid deaths, so we have a clear data to measure the scope of this public-health crisis.

Insurance companies oppose the requirements, saying they establish a standard that gives all patients 14 days of inpatient treatment, regardless of whether that's the proper course of action.

We believe the bill meets a vital need in our health-care system. Our prisons and jails incarcerate far too many people who should be elsewhere, being treated for substance abuse or mental illness.

We believe this bill will help move this conversation in that direction.

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